Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan rouge 2018 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

An extravagant, exuberant nose with ripe fruit, sweet floral notes, and pronounced smoky undertones; the palate is dense, with beautiful depth, tannins that are both rich and fairly firm, excellent length, and good structure. The most complete Carbonnieux in many years. It has incredible charm and enormous potential. Will it come close to the magnificent ’59?

About the estate:

Owned since 1956 by the charming Perrin family, this great classic of the Pessac-Léognan appellation captivates with both its production volume—especially for whites—and the consistency and distinctiveness of its style. The very pale whites are fresh, lively, and exceptionally refined, but since 2009 they have gained in richness and body. The reds have gained significantly in power and density and rival the very best.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Both deep and brilliant, the color makes a powerful first impression. It continues elegantly with notes of ripe fruit, dried fruit, and toasted oak. The palate, built on well-integrated tannins, displays power, richness, and substance. A truly beautiful wine in the making.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Carbonnieux offers wonderfully pure aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant, along with hints of Ceylon tea, black olive, and lavender, with a touch of ground clove. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, the palate delivers numerous spicy flavors of black fruit, supported by grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a peppery note.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Brothers Éric and Philibert Perrin, along with their sister Christine Lescuyer, continue to develop this important estate, which has evolved considerably over the past decade, consistently producing delicious wine. The new generation is taking over; the 2019 vintage was brilliantly vinified by the young Andréa Perrin. Elegant and refreshing, the whites have gained in expressiveness while developing more body on the palate. They do not age indefinitely, and we recommend enjoying them within the first five years after bottling. However, a few exceptional vintages may hold magical surprises with extended aging. The reds, serious and consistent, though often austere in their youth, have also gained in body density. They never taste as good as they do between five and ten years of age. The vineyard is continuing its restructuring program by replacing the Sauvignon Blancs on the fine gravel terroirs with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Spectator

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling